# NTSB DEN85FTM06: Mitchell/Bede BD-4, N711JK, Woods Cross, UT, August 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1985, 06:50 local (12:50 UTC)
- Place: Woods Cross, UT
- Coordinates: 40.889343, -111.929069 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8893&lon=-111.9291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85FTM06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85FTM06

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED AFTER THE ENG QUIT DURING TAKEOFF. THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND OFF THE ARPT IN A LEFT DESCENDING BANK WHICH COLLAPSED THE LEFT LNDG GEAR. INVESTIGATION REVEALED CORROSION OF THE CARBURETOR FLOAT BOWL. THE PLT WAS USING AUTO FUEL. THE FUEL TANKS HAD BEEN REPAIRED FOR LEAKS.THE PLT SAID THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DRAIN ALL FUEL WITH THE DRAINS AS INSTALLED. THERE WERE NO FUEL DRAINS IN THE OUTBOARD SECTION OF THE WING TANKS, WHICH IS THE LOWEST POINT IN THE FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N711JK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N711JK-2010-01-22), registration cancelled 2010-01-22, S/N 421 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MITCHELL/BEDE BD-4
- Registry model: [Mitchell BD-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/mitchell-bd-4) (registry code 1130402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 421
- Airframe hours: 600
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth H. Mitchell
- Departed: BTL, WOODS CROSS, UT
- Destination: BTL, WOODS CROSS, UT
- Airport: BTL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 860 total, 600 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850823040299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850823040299A), Aug 23, 1985: Amtrbd BEDEBD4, Woods Cross, UT, Substantial damage. Flipped inverted after loss of power on takeoff. Contaminated fuel in float bowl. Unlicensed pilot and aircraft.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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